Are you wondering where to have your Christmas dinner this year? Maybe you’d rather skip cooking and doing dishes and enjoy a meal at your favorite restaurant. This post will detail all the great spots you can dine at for your Christmas celebration in San Diego in 2025.
Note: This list is a work in progress, so if I’m missing San Diego restaurants with Christmas or New Year’s offerings, please leave a comment or email me. We’ve also left some placeholders for restaurants that offered popular Christmas dinners last year. The prices below do not include tax, service fees, or gratuities.
Christmas Dinners by Style
Ultimate Luxury & Fine Dining
- Herb & Wood
- Herb & Sea
- Animae
- Osteria Panevino
- Marina Steakhouse
- Addison
- Amara at Parq
- Vintana Wine + Dine
Lavish Holiday Buffets & Brunches
Family Fun & Meals With Santa
Stunning Ocean & Waterfront Views
Unique Holiday Experiences
Herb & Wood
This popular Little Italy restaurant will serve up a quintessential Christmas Eve experience this year. Herb & Wood’s four-course festive menu for 2025 begins with a choice of a Waldorf Salad, a Lobster Louie lettuce cup, or Venison Tartare. The second course features Seared Shrimp, Ditalini with smoked broccolini and brie cream, or a Lamb Lollipop with green tahini and pomegranate.
Entrée selections include Prime Rib, Seabass, Seared Duck, or an Embered Sweet Potato vegetarian main. Family-style sides—Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Kale, and Parker House Rolls—served with the main entrée. Dessert options include a decadent Date Cake with black walnut ice cream or a Chestnut & Chocolate Tiramisu.
- Location: 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
- Dates: Christmas Eve, December 24
- Times: 3 p.m.–8 p.m.
- Price: $92 per adult, $37 per child, not including any booking fees
- Reservation Page: Reserve on OpenTable
Herb & Sea
The sister restaurant to Herb & Wood in North County San Diego, Herb & Sea is one of Encinita’s best eateries. They’re serving the same Christmas Eve dinner as Herb & Wood (details above), which makes sense!
- Location: 131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Dates: Christmas Eve, December 24
- Times: 3 p.m.–8 p.m.
- Price: $92 per adult, $37 per child, not including any booking fees
- Reservation Page: Reserve on OpenTable
Animae
This world-class steakhouse and the brainchild of celebrity chef Brian Malarkey is serving up a Christmas Eve feast this year. Chef Tara Monsod’s three-course Kamayan-style dinner is inspired by the Filipino-American heritage of the kitchen and will be served as a communal feast.
Guests can look forward to starting with Ube Pandesal (sweet cheddar butter) or Kinilaw (coconut, calamansi, cilantro-chili oil), or Hamachi with heirloom tomato and toyomansi vinaigrette. The sumptuous meal concludes with Chocolate & Ginger Profiteroles with candied cashew or an Ube & Coconut Tart with pandan gelee and coconut tuile.
- Location: 969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
- Dates: Christmas Eve, December 24
- Times: 3 p.m.–8 p.m.
- Price: $110 per adult, $42 per child, not including any booking fees
- Reservation Page: Animae Reservations
Osteria Panevino
The oldest restaurant in the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is also one of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego, and the Tuscan-themed restaurant is offering a special Christmas dinner (menu to come!) that will make any Italian Nonna (grandmother) proud.
- Location: 722 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
- Dates: Christmas Day, December 25
- Times: TBA
- Price: $54.95 per person
- Reservation Page: Osteria Panevino Reservations
Hotel del Coronado Crown & Coronet Ballroom
You can dine in The Del’s Crown and Coronet rooms on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year.
On Christmas Eve, you can indulge in The Del’s lavish holiday dinner in the Crown and Coronet rooms. The sumptuous menu includes coastal seafood, Baja ceviche, Scottish salmon, and, of course, a roasted turkey. There’s even a customizable salad and pasta stations, and a decadent dessert spread with bûche de Noël and chocolate truffles.
- Dates: December 24
- Dates: $230.37 per person, $121.89 per child ages 5-12 (adult price increases by $16 on December 9), young children 4 and under are free with a paid adult
- A glass of champagne is included for all guests 21 and over
- Reservation Page: The buffet begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. Buy your tickets here.
On Christmas Day, a special holiday brunch buffet will be served there, also from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The menu is similar to the Christmas Eve buffet but with lots of delicious breakfast options added.
- Dates: December 25
- Dates: Same pricing as the dinner.
- A glass of champagne is included for all guests 21 and over
- Reservation Page: Buy your tickets here.
While at The Del, you will be surrounded by thousands of sparkling lights on the property, as well as Christmas trees, garlands, and holiday decor that will surely delight guests of all ages. Make reservations ASAP.
Enjoy your San Diego Christmas Day dinner or brunch and spend the night! At the time of this writing, there are still rooms available. Read my full Hotel del Coronado review. Through me, you have access to the following:
SALE: 3rd Night Free on select dates: The promotional rate appears as a 33% discount when booking a three-night stay. You must be logged into Virtuoso.com to view the Exclusive Sale pricing. Blackout dates apply. Book by February 19, 2026.
Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rate! When booking on Virtuoso.com use the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details. If you see multiple rates for the same room type, choose the lowest rate. Check the status of ocean swimming in front of Coronado Lifeguard Tower as it changes. This is the testing station in front of Hotel del Coronado.
Arlo Restaurant
San Diego’s destination eatery inside Town & Country Resort, Arlo, will offer a special Christmas menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
On December 24, guests can choose from an à la carte dinner menu to ring in the holiday. The menu features rosemary crusted lamb lollipops, braised oxtail, stuffed cremini, or guanciale carbonara.
The Christmas Day celebration includes a holiday buffet meal. a seafood display, sides like roasted root veggies, action stations for main courses, and desserts. You can view the whole menu on their website.
Location: 500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108
Dates:
- Christmas Eve, December 24
- Christmas Day, December 25
Times:
- Christmas Eve Dinner: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
- Christmas Day Buffet: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Price:
- Christmas Eve: TBA
- Christmas Day Buffet: $95 per adult, $40 per child
Reservation Page: Arlo Reservations
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
Rancho Valencia will welcome guests with the ultimate Christmas Feast on Christmas Day.
The hotel’s Pony Room will host a festive buffet featuring a seafood station, carvery station, and all the traditional Christmas dishes. Live music, seasonal sweets, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, caroling, and horse-drawn carriage rides will accompany your magical Christmas celebration.
- Location: 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
- December 25
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- $245 per person / $95 per child aged 4-11 / children 3 and under are free
- Reservations are required (858) 759-6246
- Get information online
The hotel also offers a fantastic pickup option for those who fancy a feast at home without all the work! Their Christmas To Go package includes everything for the big day you can think of, and you need to choose a pick-up slot before December 24th. Order by December 19th.
You can also stay overnight with our benefits!
When booking on Virtuoso.com use only the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details.
Veranda at Rancho Bernardo Inn
For an elegant Christmas Day dinner (which, for some, is the only way to do it), Veranda will knock your socks off with its prix fixe menu. Plan to be impressed by your dinner’s beautiful presentation and plating. Learn more on the website.
- Location: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
- Date: Christmas Day, December 25
- Time: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Price: TBA
- Reservations: Call (844) 338-9275.
Vintana Wine + Dine
Perched on the top level of the Centre at Lexus Escondido, Vintana Wine + Dine brings delicious California cuisine to Escondido in a posh and hip setting. You can view their festive menu of filet mignon, miso seabaso, pork rib chop, and other favorites online.
- Location: 1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido, CA 92029
- Date: Christmas Day, December 25
- Price: $74.95 per adult, $23.95 per child
- Vintana Reservations
Adelaide at L’Auberge Del Mar
Gorgeous ocean views, impeccable service, and the freshest, ocean-forward entrees welcome you at Adelaide. This elegant restaurant at the upscale and charming L’Auberge boutique hotel offers brunch buffet and dinner on Christmas Day this year, as well as a Christmas Eve dinner.
Gorgeous ocean views and fresh, ocean-forward entrees await at this elegant restaurant.
- Location: 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
- Date: Christmas Day, December 25
- Times: Brunch Buffet: 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner: 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
- Adelaide Reservations through OpenTable
Stay overnight at L’Auberge Del Mar with extra benefits.
*When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them after I contact you about your reservation.
Covewood at San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Who says Christmas has to be stuffy and formal? Not Covewood! Barefoot chic is the vibe here, so feel free to walk in straight from playing on the bay for a casual but delectable Christmas Eve and Day dinner.
Their special Christmas menu is still to be announced, but after dinner, you can be sure to take an idyllic walk along the bay…still barefoot, of course. Keep an eye out for it on the resort website.
Spending the night at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort is also fun.
- Location: 1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
- Date: Christmas Day, December 25
- Time: 2 p.m.–8 p.m.
- Reservations: Call 877-259-0010 to make a reservation
Mediterranean Room at La Valencia Hotel
“San Diego’s Hottest New Restaurants”, “11 Great Patios with a View”, and “Reader’s Best Choice Restaurants” are all titles that Mediterranean Room holds, so why not have Christmas brunch here? The 2025 events are TBA, but last year there was a Christmas Eve dinner and a Christmas brunch.
Dine in style at this award-winning restaurant known for its stunning views and exceptional cuisine.
Christmas Eve Dining
- Date: December 24
- Time: TBA
Christmas Brunch
- Date: December 25
- Time: TBA
You can also spend the night at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla.
The Marine Room Restaurant
Christmas Day on the Surf is made possible at the Marine Room. The menu is still to come, but you can be sure it will be as spectacular as the crashing waves outside, which delight customers during high tide.
The only thing that matches the food here is the ocean views, so make sure to soak in both this Christmas. The Marine Room is adjacent to La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.
- Dates: December 24 (Christmas Eve) & December 25 (Christmas Day)
- Time: 4:30 p.m.–9 p.m.
- Price: $165 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity), $65 per child
- The Marine Room Christmas Dining Reservations via OpenTable.
Vistal Bar + Restaurant at the InterContinental
This bayfront restaurant at InterContinental San Diego will not disappoint you this Christmas with its menu. Details are still to come, but you can be assured of gorgeous views and, more than likely, a beautiful sunset as you dine at Vistal.
Opt for a wine pairing and sip it slowly while enjoying the harbor views. Information is TBA.
- Location: 901 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101
- Date: Christmas Day, December 25
- Price: $90 per person
- Vistal Reservations
JRDN
The popular beachfront restaurant at Tower23 Hotel will serve a Christmas Day breakfast and a 3-course dinner.
- Location: 723 Felspar Street, San Diego, CA 92109
- Date: December 25 (Christmas Day)
- Time: Breakfast 9 a.m.- 12 p.m., Christmas 3 Course 2 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Price: TBA
- Reservation Method: Call 858-270-2323
George’s at the Cove
One of my favorite La Jolla restaurants is serving a three-course prix fixe Christmas Day dinner served in the Ocean View Room and Level2. A children’s a la carte menu is also available for those 12 and under.
- Location: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Date: December 25 (Christmas Day)
- Time: 2 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
- Price: $110 per person
- George’s at the Cove Reservations via ExploreTock.
Lionfish
Everyone’s favorite restaurant at Pendry San Diego usually offers a Christmas Eve feast with an innovative twist. We’re still awaiting information for 2025.
But last year, they served the Holiday Large Cast Iron dish, which features half a roasted duck, duck confit stuffing, harvest mashed potatoes, and butter biscuits. Here is last year’s menu.
- Location: 435 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
- Date: December 24 (Christmas Eve)
- Time: TBA
- Price: TBA
- Lionfish Reservations
Where will you go for Christmas dinner in San Diego in 2025?
Katie Dillon
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